Can't face getting a christmas tree this year

[Ella15]

Anyone else? Trying to convince my 9 yr old that we could just do a load of fairy lights/other decs and they're just not buying it. This is the first year ever I won't have got one. Was anyone scarred by not having a tree when they were a kid? It's just such a symbol of Christmas but surely one year off isn't going to send them to therapy?

@MrsXx4 I’m so sorry to hear about your loss too.

Never had one in my life and therefore neither have my children. None of us are scarred

I'm sorry to hear about your bereavement. We got ours at the weekend and I no more felt like it as my dad passed away a few weeks ago unexpectedly. Dh got it as the kids were dying for it. I spent most of the decorating process feeling on the verge of tears but actually now when I'm sitting in the room there is something so lovely and peaceful about the lights from the tree. My mum said it when she came in to see it and is going to get one herself as despite the initial getting it she feels it will be nice to just sit with the tree lights on. Big hugs. Not easy.

Can you put the tiny tree on a little table and put the presents under neath 😁.
We've put our on a table and put a cloth on the table before when we could only afford a smaller tree.

Greif and Xmas is awful and rams home the people we miss and arnt here.
I hope you manage to get something though op.

Wow! Just had a bloody good cry reading these. Who would have thought a christmas tree thread would be so emotional?! I am so so sorry for everyone who's had a heartbreaking bereavement this year. And in awe of how determined you are to put others before yourself and make their Christmas special . You're amazing! Thanks to all who've shared an opinion or a solution. Really appreciate it. Xx

I got a Jellycat tree. No decoration required!

Just get a tree

I think I was about 9 when my Mum stopped 'doing' Christmas - we weren't disadvantaged in any way, still had presents just no tree or decorations etc. I cried and said everyone else got to have a proper Christmas and she just hugged me and said she was sorry. I now understand she was very much grieving the death of my dad when I was two and Christmas was a really hard time for her, always an empty seat at the table. Totally get that now, but as a child I didn't and it just felt like another thing I missed out in comparison to friends.